FY2026 ANNUAL REPORT April 2025 - March 2026
A NOTE FROM THE CEO Building Momentum Through People, Culture and Operations Fiscal Year 2026 marked a defining chapter for Javits Center. As we approached our 40th anniversary, we focused on building momentum by investing in our people, strengthening our culture, and advancing the operations that power one of the nation's premier convention centers. This year, we continued to evolve—not only as a venue, but as an organization. We expanded our community impact, diversified our business, elevated the customer experience, and invested in technologies that will shape the future of the events industry. Every milestone was driven by a shared commitment to innovation, sustainability, and service. Those investments produced meaningful results. We welcomed more than 1.3 million visitors, increased the number of events hosted by 6% to 145, and generated more than $202 million in operating revenue - an 8% increase from last year. Most importantly, we continued to serve as a powerful economic and cultural engine for New York. As you read this report, you'll see that our success is measured by more than numbers. It's reflected in the opportunities we create for our employees, customers, partners, and community. Together, we are building on a 40-year legacy while creating the foundation for the next generation of impact.
A NOTE FROM THE GOVERNOR For nearly four decades, Javits Center has been a catalyst for opportunity in New York State. As one of the nation's premier convention and event destinations, it brings together people, industries, and ideas that drive economic growth, create jobs, and strengthen communities across our state. The Center's impact extends far beyond its walls. It supports thousands of workers, welcomes visitors from around the world, fuels local businesses, and serves as a platform for innovation, sustainability, and public engagement. From hosting global events to advancing environmental leadership and community partnerships, Javits Center reflects New York's spirit of resilience, creativity, and progress. This year saw the return of flagship convenings, like the New York International Auto Show and Fanatics Fest NYC, paired with exciting new events making their Javits Center debut, including the Team USA Media Summit held in the lead-up to the 2026 Winter Olympics. Behind the scenes, the team scaled up successful partnerships like the JavitsCares program, which has donated hundreds of tons of food and materials to local organizations serving those in need across the five boroughs. As you read this report, I hope you take pride in all that has been accomplished over the past year and in the dedicated people whose work continues to make Javits Center an enduring asset to our state. Together, they are helping shape a stronger, more vibrant future for New York.
BY THE NUMBERS
OUR
OYFULNESS
CCOUNTABILITY
ISIBILITY
VALUES
NNOVATION
RANSPARENCY
USTAINABILITY
PEOPLE Investing in Employee Experience Our people remain the foundation of our success. In FY2026, we launched our first-ever employee engagement survey, receiving 945 responses from employees across the organization. The survey provided valuable insight into employee priorities and helped shape meaningful action. New initiatives included the relaunch of the employee newsletter, implementation of a text-message communications platform, a new parental leave policy, and a flexible work policy designed to improve work-life balance. Employees also reported strong pride in working at Javits Center, with 89% indicating they are proud to be part of the organization. These results reinforced our commitment to building a workplace where employees feel heard, supported, and empowered to succeed. As we continue our journey toward becoming a Best Place to Work, employee feedback remains a critical guide for strengthening communication, engagement, and organizational culture.
Strengthening Leadership and Culture FY2026 marked another important year in the evolution of our leadership team. Building on the arrival of President and CEO Joyce Leveston, the organization expanded its executive structure to better position Javits Center for future growth. New leadership roles, including Chief Administrative Officer, Chief Revenue Officer and Chief of Staff strengthened organizational alignment and strategic execution. At the same time, our values framework—Joyfulness, Accountability, Visibility, Innovation, Transparency, and Sustainability—became increasingly embedded throughout the organization. These values serve as a guide for decision-making, collaboration, and customer service while helping to create a culture rooted in trust, accountability, and continuous improvement. Together, our leadership team and employees are shaping a workplace culture that supports both operational excellence and personal growth.
Building Community and Recognition Creating a sense of belonging was a major focus throughout FY2026. Following employee feedback, Javits Center launched six Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to foster connection, professional development, and wellness across the workforce. Participation across departments demonstrated employees’ desire to build stronger relationships and contribute to a more inclusive workplace. Recognition also became a key part of our culture. Employee of the Month nominations increased by 20%, while the Cultivated Shout-Out Program continued to celebrate employees whose actions embody our values. Whether returning lost belongings to guests or going above and beyond for colleagues, employees consistently demonstrated the service and integrity that define the Javits experience. We also celebrated 68 employees with more than 25 years of service, including two team members who reached 35 years of dedication. Their commitment reflects the deep institutional knowledge and pride that continue to shape our organization.
Staff Tenure Breakdown
Staff Diversity Breakdown
PERFORMANCE Delivering Strong Business Results Javits Center continued its strong financial and operational momentum in FY2026. The campus hosted 152 events, a 6% increase over the previous year, attracting more than 1.3 million attendees and generating over $180 million in revenue. Growth was driven by a diverse event portfolio that included 56 trade shows, 55 special events, 22 corporate events, and 12 public shows. This balanced mix demonstrates the versatility of the facility and the effectiveness of efforts to attract new business across multiple market segments. Sales outreach, customer engagement initiatives, and industry familiarization trips helped expand awareness of Javits Center while reinforcing its reputation as one of the nation’s premier event destinations. As the events industry continues to evolve, the Center’s diversified business strategy positions it for long-term stability and growth.
Event Category Breakdown
Expanding Revenue Opportunities In addition to growth in traditional event business, FY2026 focused on identifying new revenue opportunities and improving operational efficiency. The expansion of Quiet Cove modular office space provided event attendees with modern, private work environments for meetings and executive collaboration. Demand for these flexible workspaces reflects changing customer expectations and the increasing need for hybrid event solutions. The Center also introduced an overnight fee for vehicles utilizing the Truck Marshaling Building, helping offset more than $4 million in annual operating expenses associated with maintaining the facility. These initiatives demonstrate a broader commitment to diversifying revenue streams while enhancing the overall customer experience. By continuously identifying new opportunities, Javits Center is strengthening its financial foundation and creating additional value for customers and stakeholders.
Elevating the Customer Experience Customer experience remained a central focus throughout the year. The Customer Advisory Board was reimagined with expanded representation from across the events industry, creating new opportunities for direct feedback and collaboration. Insights from customers continue to influence operational improvements, technology investments, and service enhancements throughout the campus. By actively listening to partners and stakeholders, Javits Center is ensuring that future investments align with customer needs while maintaining the flexibility required to serve a wide range of events. This customer-centric approach helps reinforce Javits Center’s position as a preferred venue for organizers, exhibitors, attendees, and community partners alike.
SUSTAINABILITY Environmental Leadership in Action Sustainability remains one of Javits Center’s defining strengths. During FY2026, the organization continued to build on its reputation as a leader in sustainable venue operations through innovative programs focused on waste reduction, resource conservation, and environmental stewardship. The Center achieved a 45% waste diversion rate while recycling significant quantities of cardboard, construction and demolition, metal, mixed recycling, soft plastics, organics (including coffee grounds), food donations, grease, electronic waste, vinyl, lanyards, JavitsCares items, farm produce, alma carpet, farm compost and diesel disposal generated through event operations. These efforts help reduce landfill impact while supporting a more circular approach to waste management. Beyond operational improvements, sustainability remains integrated into daily decision-making and long-term planning. From energy investments to rooftop agriculture, the Center continues to demonstrate how large-scale event venues can operate responsibly while delivering world-class experiences.
Growing Community Impact Community engagement and sustainability intersect through several of Javits Center’s most successful programs. The Steel Farm rooftop operation produced more than 21,000 pounds of fresh produce during FY2026, marking one of its most bountiful harvests to date. We also expanded our employee Harvest Share program, distributing 400 of bags of fresh produce while creating new opportunities for employees to access locally grown food. In a first for the campus, hops harvested on the roof were used in collaboration with Other Half Brewing to create a Javits Center-inspired beer. Meanwhile, the JavitsCares program continued to redirect usable materials back into the community. More than 336 tons of materials and food were donated to nonprofit partners, reducing waste while supporting organizations throughout New York City. These programs demonstrate how sustainability initiatives can create tangible benefits both inside and outside our walls.
INNOVATION Refreshing the Javits Brand FY2026 culminated in one of the most significant marketing initiatives in recent history: a comprehensive brand refresh and the launch of the “Javits on the Hudson” campaign. The new brand reflects the evolution of the organization while honoring nearly four decades of service to New York. Inspired by the building’s waterfront location, commitment to sustainability, and reputation for innovation, the refreshed identity presents a modern vision of the Javits Center and its future. The effort included updated visual assets, expanded storytelling, new marketing materials, and a renewed focus on communicating the Center’s role as a destination for business, culture, community, and innovation. As the new brand continues to roll out across platforms and experiences, it will help strengthen recognition and position the organization for future growth.
Preparing for the Future Javits Center continued investing in technologies and infrastructure that will shape the next generation of events. Key projects underway include the deployment of Wi-Fi 7, which will provide significantly greater capacity and improved connectivity for customers, exhibitors, and attendees. The Center also advanced work on its Battery Energy Storage System, a first-of-its-kind installation in the Tri-State region capable of powering up to 40% of the building while strengthening energy resilience. Additional innovations include expanded digital signage capabilities and new glass-wrap branding opportunities that create more dynamic experiences for event organizers. Together, these investments demonstrate a commitment to remaining at the forefront of venue technology while creating more engaging, efficient, and sustainable experiences for customers.
Looking Ahead As Javits Center approaches its 40th anniversary, the organization is entering its next chapter from a position of strength. Guided by a commitment to people, performance, sustainability, and innovation, we are investing in the future of our workforce, enhancing the customer experience, expanding community impact, and building the infrastructure needed for long-term success. The momentum created in FY2026 positions us to continue elevating what is possible—for our employees, our customers, our partners, and New York.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT 2026
2025
$ 21,851,545 67,208,342
$ 17,104,205 60,564,891
10,758,405 240,524 3,547,447 1,616,088 105,222,351 9,753,669 31,546,103 4,476,909 150,999,032 10,501,399
13,756,492 194,984 1,094,108 13,717,284 106,431,964 9,996,604 28,315,882 4,544,834 149,289,284 12,277,348
6,874,825 12,938,441 22,588,905 3,633,599 5,312,765 832,000 52,180,535
10,020,471 7,290,980 22,080,048 1,917,245 4,524,104 1,132,804 737,000 47,702,652
Accrued expenses, net of current portion Net pension liability - proportionate share Lease liability, net of current portion Other postemployment benefits obligation, net of current portion Total liabilities
377,337 6,440,571 11,453,571
614,792 5,432,387 7,328,859
29,427,000 99,859,014
30,858,000 91,936,690
Deferred inflows of resources Net position Net investment in capital assets Unrestricted - board designated for other postemployment benefit obligation Unrestricted deficit Total net position
23,448,967
28,492,242
16,458,933
19,069,778
30,259,000 (8,545,483) $ 38,172,450
31,595,000 (9,527,078) 41,137,700
Assets Current assets: Cash and equivalents Short-term investments Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $1,206,738 in 2026 and $1,229,055 in 2025 PPP receivables, current Unbilled show costs Other current assets Total assets PPP receivables, net of current portion Capital assets, net Other assets Total assets Deferred outflows of resources Liabilities Current liabilities: Accounts payable Accrued expenses, current Unearned revenue Lease liability, current Insurance claim reserve Advances for capital improvements from affiliate Other postemployment benefits obligation, current Total current liabilities
2026
2025
Operating revenue: Event-related services Space rentals Concession commissions Advertising and other income
$ 158,453,614 33,676,155 6,169,067 4,522,803
$ 147,431,706 31,748,613 3,393,683 3,716,483
Total operating revenue
202,821,639
186,290,485
158,126,010 29,016,529 13,705,148 (684,000) 200,163,687
145,778,355 28,337,098 15,713,092 (510,000) 188,788,545
2,657,952
(2,488,060)
Depreciation and amortization expense
(9,050,878)
(9,215,396)
Operating loss
(6,392,296)
(11,703,456)
Nonoperating income
3,427,676
4,020,335
Change in net position
(2,965,250)
(7,683,121)
Net position at beginning of year, as restated
41,137,700
48,820,821
$ 38,172,450
$ 41,137,700
Operating expenses: Employee compensation and benefits Facility operating expenses Selling, general and administrative expenses Annual other postemployment benefits expenses Total operating expenses Operating income (loss) before depreciation and amortization expense
Net position at end of year
Statements of Net Position March 31, 2026 and 2025
EVENT SCHEDULE APRIL SMART CITY EXPO USA INTERPHEX COLLEGE FAIR NACAC YOUTH BUSINESS SUMMIT L'OREAL BEAUTYV3RSE 2025 NADA AUTOMOTIVE FORUM MEDIA WELCOME AND WORLD CAR AWARDS LINKEDIN TALENT CONNECT SESSIONS NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTOMOBILE SHOW
AUGUST NY NOW THE MARKET FOR HOME AND LIFESTYLE CURVENEWYORK INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF NEUROCHEMISTRY (ISN) MEETING ANIME NYC PUBLIC HEARING SILVERSTEIN PROPERTIES MEETING GOPHERCON 2025 B&H LUNCHEON
DECEMBER NBA HOLIDAY PARTY 2025 DIVISION OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE SERVICES GREATER NEW YORK DENTAL MEETING THE NEW YORK PRODUCE SHOW AND CONFERENCE PLANT BASED CONFERENCE & EXPO KPMG HOLIDAY RECEPTION FLOOR HOCKEY TOURNAMENT SALESFORCE AGENTFORCE WORLD TOUR NYC ICSC NEW YORK AI SUMMIT NEW YORK
MAY 14TH ANNUAL YOUTH CONFERENCE: DISCOVERING SUSTAINABILITY SCIENCE YFEST SMALL BUSINESS EXPO LUXE PACK NEW YORK ROBIN HOOD DINNER DANCE DISNEY UPFRONT HOT BREAD KITCHEN GALA NYC PLUMBING AND FIRE PROTECTION EXPO SUCCESS ACADEMY AP TESTING ROUTE 9A MOBILITY & SAFETY ENHANCEMENT STUDY - PUBLIC MEETING INTERNATIONAL CONTEMPORARY FURNITURE FAIR SALESFORCE AGENTFORCE WORLD TOUR NYC MD&M EAST IMPORTEXPO GNYHA SPRING GALA INTERNATIONAL FRANCHISE EXPO
SEPTEMBER NORTH AMERICAN CHINESE INVITATIONAL VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT (N.A.C.I.V.T.) NEW YORK CITY BOARD OF EDUCATION DISTRICT 75 THE ARMORY SHOW PUBLIC HEARING SILVERSTEIN PROPERTIES MEETING OPTICON 2025 THE NEW YORK VENTURE SUMMIT COTERIE NEW YORK MAGIC NEW YORK MONGODB.LOCAL NYC 2025 MAKEUP IN NEW YORK KABBALAH CENTRE ROSH HASHANAH SERVICES THE NEST CLIMATE CAMPUS BIG APPLE COLLEGE FAIR STRIPE ON TOUR NYC SUNY COLLEGE FAIR 2025
JANUARY NRF: RETAILS BIG SHOW MICROSOFT AI ROADSHOW TRAVMEDIA'S INTERNATIONAL MEDIA MARKETPLACE (IMM) USA TEXWORLD USA HOME TEXTILES FABRIC SOURCING EXPO AND INTERNATIONAL APPAREL SOURCING SHOW TWU LOCAL 100 MASS MEMBERSHIP MEETING TRAVEL & ADVENTURE DISCOVER BOATING NEW YORK BOAT SHOW NEW YORK STATE NURSES ASSOCIATION
JUNE CELONIS PROCESS INTELLIGENCE NY MSG SALES AND SERVICE KICK-OFF MEETING SUPPLIERS DAY FAST COMPANY'S MOST INNOVATIVE COMPANIES SUMMIT + HONOREE DINNER CANNABIS BUSINESS EXPO INSURTECH INSIGHTS CROTHALL MANAGEMENT MEETING DATADOG DASH 2025 FUTURE OF WORK USA LOCAL UNION NO. 3 IBEW 125TH ANNIVERSARY GALA CELEBRATION METROPOLITAN COLLEGE GRADUATION BILD EXPO FANATICS FEST NYC NEW YORK VALVES: THE STRUCTURAL HEART SUMMIT
OCTOBER SNOWFLAKE WORLD TOUR 2025 2025 YOM KIPPUR SERVICES BIG APPLE STARS AWARDS NEW YORK COMIC CON NY KNICKS CHASE MEET & GREET EVENT BUSINESS TRAVEL SHOW AMERICA LEADDEV NYC AN EVENING WITH LECH WALESA CRETECH SLALOM R4 NAB SHOW NEW YORK NATIONAL PORTFOLIO DAY 2025 PERFORMING AND VISUAL ARTS COLLEGE FAIR JA NEW YORK FALL SERVICENOW WORLD FORUMS 2025 TEAM USA SUMMIT: ROAD TO MILANO CORTINA
FEBRUARY 150TH ANNUAL WESTMINSTER KENNEL DOG SHOW PRESENTED BY PURINA PRO PLAN NY NOW THE MARKET FOR HOME AND LIFESTYLE CURVENEWYORK MEET THE BREEDS NEAAU VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL TOY FAIR COTERIE NEW YORK MAGIC NEW YORK
JULY SUMMER FANCY FOOD SHOW AWS SUMMIT AN EVENING WITH DR. ZAHI HAWASS FUNCTIONAL FABRIC FAIR POWERED BY PERFORMANCE DAYS THE QUIRKS EVENT TEXWORLD USA HOME TEXTILES FABRIC SOURCING EXPO AND INTERNATIONAL APPAREL SOURCING SHOW NEW YORK BAR EXAM SUCCESS ACADEMY TEACHER TRAINING
NOVEMBER TCS NEW YORK CITY MARATHON EXPO PRESENTED BY NEW BALANCE ECOVADIS WORLD BUSINESS FORUM NEW YORK NEW YORK VET BY CLOSERSTILL MEDIA TONIGHT'S CONVERSATION LIVE! BOUTIQUE DESIGN NEW YORK DELL TECHNOLOGIES FORUM WITH GLOBAL SPONSORS INTEL, MICROSOFT AND NVIDIA SPECIALTY FOOD ASSOCIATION MEETING DATABRICKS DATA + AI WORLD TOUR NEW YORK FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING TECHNOLOGY EXPO (FATE) NATIONAL PHILANTHROPY DAY CELEBRATION COOPERATOR EXPO 2025 ISC EAST SLEEP OUT: EXECUTIVE EDITION THE BIG SHABBAT
MARCH CISCO TECH DAY BE+WELL COFFEE FEST NEW YORK NEW YORK RESTAURANT SHOW LEGALWEEK UNITED AIRLINES NYC HALF EXPERIENCE PRESENTED BY NEW BALANCE SLEEP OUT: YOUNG PROFESSIONALS EDITION ADL NEVER IS NOW JA NEW YORK SPRING NEW YORK BUILD EXPO INSTALLER SHOW NEW YORK BLOCKWORKS DIGITAL ASSET SUMMIT NADA AUTOMOTIVE FORUM
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Lee H. Perlman Hugh L. Carey II Joseph Chan Cristine Ferer Ronald Goldstock Richard N. Gottfried Steven C. Koppel Gary Lavine Andrew M. Murstein Brian O'Dwyer Joseph E. Spinnato Julie Coker Jessica Lappin Melanie La Rocca Peter Rivera Jessica Walker Mark Schroeder* David Rappaport* *APPOINTED JUNE 2026
EXECUTIVE TEAM JOYCE LEVESTON
BRANDI SALLY
RONNIE BURT
KENNETH DIXON
Chief Executive Officer
Chief of Staff
Chief Revenue Officer
SVP, Safety & Security
TIMOTHY GABURUNGYI SVP, Chief Information Officer
DOREEN GUERIN SVP, Sales & Marketing
MARK SIMS
KENNETH SANCHEZ
SVP, Chief Financial Officer
SVP, Chief Operations Officer
SHANE BEARDSLEY
GEORDIE DU PONT
VP, Guest Experiences & Community Partnerships
VP, Associate General Counsel
DR. DEBONAIR OATES-PRIMUS Chief Administrative Officer
STEVEN TILLER VP, Labor Relations & Show Operations
SONIA LOW SVP, Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary
MARILYN GONZALEZ VP, Event Operations